Argentina cruises

The name Argentina is derived from the Latin word for silver, the result of a local legend told by early European explorers. A mythical mountain supposedly found in the region was said to be made of silver, but despite many searches it was never discovered.

The South American country of Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay.

Argentinian cultures have been estimated to date back to the Paleolithic period, but the country was colonised by Spanish navigators in the 15th century. Due to its European influences, modern Argentina combines traditions from Spanish, Italian and even Afri-can ethnicities. The country is often referred to by locals as ‘crisol de razas,’ which roughly translates as ‘melting pot’.

Highlights

Buenos Aires, the country’s capital and busiest city, is a popular destination for visitors on a cruise to Argentina. Its world-renowned theatre scene takes place along Corrientes Avenue, also known as the street that never sleeps. Here you can catch a glimpse of ‘the dance of love’ – one of Argentina’s most recognisable symbols – at a tango show, and admire the Spanish Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture that can be found throughout the capital.

Location

Leave the bustling Argentinian cities and you will discover spectacular natural beauty such as Iguazu Falls. The hair-raising falls are made up from hundreds of waterfalls stretching for nearly two miles. The intense roar from the falls is astounding. The legendary Beagle Channel also offers incredible scenery and wildlife; you will see hundreds of birds as well as sea lions, fur seals and even penguins. Argentina has the highest consumption of red meat in the world, and the most famous of all Argentinian dishes is asado, or barbecue, which features meats such as blood sausage and chorizo. More traditional food, known as Criollo cuisine, includes empanadas and locro, a hearty stew made mostly of corn and beans.

A meal in Argentina would not be complete without an accompaniment of local wine such as Malbec, Syrah or Chardonnay. The country’s predominant wine regions are Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, and it is here that visitors can learn more about the history and production of Argentina’s world-class wine.

Climate

Argentina is such a large country that various climates are present throughout its different regions. The north experiences hot, humid summers and milder winters, the central region features more extreme tornadoes, hail and thunderstorms, while the south is known for its cold subantarctic winters.

Useful information

Spanish is the language spoken by the majority of Argentines. When meeting a local, it is useful to know that they usually greet one another with a kiss on one cheek.

The currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated, with 10 to 15 percent being the standard tip for a meal.